Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup captain Russell Weir left Turkey with a smile after seeing three big hitters secure their place in his 2013 team to face the United States at De Vere Slaley Hall.
The Scot was at Antalya Golf Club last week to see Richard Wallis retain his Titleist PGA Play-Offs crown with David Higgins and Scott Henderson securing the other PGA Cup spots on offer.
Kings Links-attached Henderson, a former European Tour rookie if the year, earned his place via a play-off with fellow Tartan Tour regulars Greig Hutcheon and Gareth Wright – his wedge to four feet on the first enough to cement his place in Weir’s side.
Kent-based Wallis from Walmer & Kingsdown has won the South Region Order of Merit for the last three years and identified a PGA Cup place as a priority ahead of his defence while Ireland’s Higgins of Waterville Links underlined his pedigree by earning his European Tour card in Spain three weeks ago.
“I’m delighted with the calibre of player we’ve got, everyone of them you could say there are going to bring home some points,” said Weir who will lead GB&I for a second time next September.
“I’ve known Scott for a long time; he will be a big asset, as will David and Richard. I was very impressed with Richard. He set his target to get in the PGA Cup team and he achieved that which is testament to how good a player he is playing under pressure. I watched them closely all week and I think they will be a great asset to the team.”
Weir, who as a player made a record equalling eight PGA Cup appearances, is eager to avenge a defeat at the hands of America at Corde Valle in 2011.
His 10-man team will be finalised after next year’s Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship where a further five players will automatically qualify leaving a captain’s pick for Weir to complete the line up.
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